Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is calling your name! With its rich pumpkin flavor and gooey center, this cake is a delightful twist on the classic butter cake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and trust me—everyone will be asking for seconds!

I love making this dessert during Thanksgiving. The warm spices and creamy texture remind me of family traditions and joyful celebrations. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up. You’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to impress your guests.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, gooey goodness packed into every slice!
• Perfect for make-ahead: This cake can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones.
• Fall flavors in every bite: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting taste that screams autumn.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual dinner, you can count on this cake to steal the show!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! Each one adds to the wonderful flavor and texture of this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe. You’ll find that they are all easy to source and probably already in your pantry!

For the Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 large eggs (1 egg and 3 eggs separate)
• 8 ounces unsalted butter (2 sticks separated and melted)

For the Pumpkin Filling

• 1 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces cream cheese (super soft)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Variations

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch!
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cardamom for unique flavor twists.
• Chocolate drizzle: A rich chocolate sauce drizzled on top can complement the pumpkin beautifully.
• Switch the filling: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using sweet potato puree instead of pumpkin for a different take.

How to Make Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before anything else, preheating your oven to 350 degrees is essential. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grab either a springform pan or a round cake pan. Line it with parchment paper and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray. This step will help your cake come out easily without sticking!

Step 3: Make the Cake Base

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 stick of melted butter (that’s ½ cup), and 1 egg. Mix until well combined. This forms a nice thin layer at the bottom of your pan which serves as the foundation for all that gooey goodness.

Step 4: Pour & Press

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently press it down into an even layer. Don’t worry about perfection; just ensure it covers the bottom!

Step 5: Create the Pumpkin Filling

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, super soft cream cheese, remaining three eggs, dark brown sugar, second stick of melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat on low until everything is well blended. Scraping down the sides ensures no clumps are left behind!

Step 6: Layer It Up

Pour that delicious pumpkin filling over your cake batter layer in the pan. It should look beautiful already!

Step 7: Bake Away!

Now it’s time to bake! Place your pan in the oven and let it bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want that top golden brown but remember—it’s supposed to be gooey in the center!

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, allow your cake to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period helps everything set up just right while keeping all that gooeyness intact.

And there you have it—a scrumptious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Making this delicious pumpkin gooey butter cake is a breeze, especially with a few helpful tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Let your cream cheese and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. This helps them blend smoothly into the batter, creating that velvety texture we all love.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Once you’ve combined your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake instead of the light and gooey treat you’re aiming for.

• Check for doneness carefully – Since you want that gooey center, keep an eye on the baking time. You may want to start checking around the 40-minute mark; it should be golden brown on top but still slightly wobbly in the center.

• Cool before slicing – Letting the cake rest for at least 10 minutes after baking allows it to set up a bit more and makes slicing much easier without losing that glorious gooeyness.

• Store properly – If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them covered in the refrigerator. This cake tastes wonderful when chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert!

How to Serve Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Serving this pumpkin gooey butter cake can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to help you present this scrumptious dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream – A dollop of dairy-free whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the richness of the cake beautifully.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top adds a nice crunch and enhances the fall flavors with their earthy notes.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A light dusting of powdered sugar not only looks appealing but also adds just a hint of sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider is perfect alongside your pumpkin gooey butter cake. The sweet and spicy flavors complement each other wonderfully, making for an inviting fall treat.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (Dairy-Free Options Available) – A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the warm gooeyness of the cake with its cool creaminess, creating an irresistible contrast.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes – These naturally sweet roasted veggies bring out the pumpkin flavor even more while adding a savory element to your dessert table.
• Green Salad with Maple Vinaigrette – A fresh green salad drizzled with maple vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cake, ensuring a well-rounded meal experience.

Now you’re ready to impress family and friends with your delicious Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake! Enjoy baking and sharing this seasonal favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, which is perfect for busy fall days or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, make sure the cake has cooled completely.
• Cut into individual pieces if desired, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about this delightful recipe!

Can I use a different type of cake mix for the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe?

Yes! While yellow cake mix is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with spice cake mix or even vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake is done?

The top of your cake should be golden brown, and the center should still be gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with some moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I make this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based butter. Just ensure that your cake mix is also dairy-free.

How long does it take to bake the Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake?

Baking typically takes between 40 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to achieve that perfect gooey texture!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake as much as I do! It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that captures all the warmth of fall. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your experience!